Outreach

St. James’ Outreach Ministries flow out of our common worship life together. As a parish community, we are committed to the pursuit of justice and peace for the sake of our community and the larger city of Baton Rouge. To that end, St. James is also pleased to partner with local organizations to support individuals experiencing various needs. Emily Kelly chairs the Outreach Committee, consisting of At-Large and Ex Officio members, as well as representatives from the Vestry and Associate Vestry.

Hearty Breakfast+Food Pantry
Last Sunday of the Month
Bishops Hall, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
St. James is pleased to introduce a new combined outreach ministry initiative. Beginning in the Fall, the St. James Food Pantry will distribute food provided by the GBR Food Bank in conjunction with a monthly warm breakfast offered to those who might need it. Guests are invited in for a time of fellowship, a warm meal, and pantry staples, should they need it. Other local support services and literature will also be provided. Volunteers will assist in welcoming and serving guests; sign-ups will be distributed in advance. Ministry Contact: Doug LeBleu

The following is a list of upcoming dates:

  • October 30
  • November 27
  • *December 11* (Christmas Feast, details below)
  • January 29
  • February 26
  • March 26
  • April 30
  • May 28

We Care Bags
We Care bags are simple snack bags handed out to our downtown neighbors who are hungry. Regular sign-ups are circulated, and volunteers assist in filling 125 bags per week. Bags are currently delivered to the Christian Outreach Center (1427 Main Street) for safe distribution. Contact: Allyson and Tommy Cunningham

Serve Sundays
October 16 and February 19
Serve Sundays are dedicated to providing parishioners of all ages opportunities for impactful service projects, both here at St. James and throughout the community. Previous Serve Sunday projects have included: an activities day at a group home (Volunteers of America); lunch pack (St. Vincent DePaul); trash pickup and beautification (TULIPA); and filling We Care bags. A list of projects will be published in advance of the dates for parishioners to sign up.

Seasons of Giving
St. James is pleased to continue the Seasons of Giving collections in partnership with local organizations that support individuals in need. These three collections will occur throughout the year and are easy ways to help our community. A collection in July is dedicated to schools in need. The November collection continues St. James’ longstanding Angel Tree drive for individuals and families, while a spring Lenten collection will run in conjunction with an organization to be determined.

Outreach Events
In addition to the above, the Outreach Committee periodically makes available opportunities for service, as needs arise in our community and beyond. Past events have included hurricane relief work in Thibodaux and neighborhood cleanup in collaboration with Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s Love the Boot week.

Ministries Directory